Average
#246 of 603 schools in MT
Top 41% in state
Shepherd Elementary
Elementary School · Shepherd Elem
Box 8, Shepherd, MT 59079
Enrollment
371
Student-Teacher
16.9:1
Score
6.8
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
371
Student-Teacher
16.9:1
Score
6.8
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Montana schools
#246 of 603
In Shepherd
#1 of 3
public schools
In district
#1 of 2
Shepherd Elem
Academic growth
7.4 / 10
Very Good
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Shepherd Elementary
Elementary School in Shepherd · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Shepherd Middle School
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Shepherd High School
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Shepherd Elementary
Shepherd Elementary is a public elementary school in Shepherd, MT, part of Shepherd Elem. Shepherd Elementary serves approximately 371 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 16.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Shepherd Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 out of 10 and ranks #246 of 603 schools in MT.
Structured state assessment records for Shepherd Elementary show 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 6.8 · Average
- MT avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Shepherd Elementary sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Shepherd Elementary — Students at Shepherd Elementary score 44% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
35.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 25 test records from MT state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.4/10.
How Shepherd Elementary Compares
See how Shepherd Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
Box 8, Shepherd, MT 59079
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Shepherd Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Lockwood Intermediate (rated 8.1/10, 10.9 miles away, in nearby Lockwood), which scores notably higher. Another option is Eagle Cliffs Elementary (rated 7.5/10, 11.8 miles away, in nearby Billings), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Independent School (rated 6.6/10, 8.6 miles away, in nearby Billings), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Shepherd, see our Shepherd schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Shepherd Middle School Shepherd | 0.0 mi | 4.7 |
| Shepherd High School Shepherd | 0.0 mi | 4.9 |
| Pioneer School Billings | 6.8 mi | 4.4 |
| Independent School Billings | 8.6 mi | 6.6 |
| Beartooth School Billings | 9.2 mi | 5.2 |
| Medicine Crow Middle School Billings | 9.4 mi | 6.0 |
| Bitterroot School Billings | 9.6 mi | 5.1 |
| Lockwood Intermediate Lockwood | 10.9 mi | 8.1 |
| Lockwood Primary Lockwood | 10.9 mi | 6.2 |
| Lockwood Middle School Lockwood | 10.9 mi | 5.8 |
| Lockwood High School Lockwood | 10.9 mi | 3.5 |
| Huntley Project Elem K-6 Worden | 8.6 mi | 6.3 |
| Huntley Project High Schl Worden | 8.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Huntley Project 7-8 Worden | 8.7 mi | 4.4 |
| Bench School Billings | 10.7 mi | 4.3 |
| Sandstone School Billings | 11.0 mi | 6.0 |
| Castle Rock Middle School Billings | 11.2 mi | 5.2 |
| Skyview High School Billings | 11.2 mi | 4.1 |
| Alkali Creek School Billings | 11.9 mi | 6.2 |
| Eagle Cliffs Elementary Billings | 11.8 mi | 7.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59079 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$65,851
Median Home Value
$350,400
Median Rent
$1,516/mo
Population
3,893
College Educated
23.4%
Homeownership
96%
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Median Age
45.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hillcrest School Butte, MT | 6.8 |
| Franklin School Missoula, MT | 6.7 |
| Lillian Peterson School Kalispell, MT | 6.7 |
| West School Laurel, MT | 6.7 |
| Four Georgians School Helena, MT | 6.9 |
| ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Missoula, MT | 6.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Shepherd Elementary
What grades does Shepherd Elementary serve?
Shepherd Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Shepherd Elementary?
Shepherd Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 371 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Shepherd Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Shepherd Elementary is 16.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Shepherd Elementary rank in MT?
Shepherd Elementary ranks #246 of 603 schools in MT.
What is Shepherd Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Shepherd Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Shepherd Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Shepherd Elementary has 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Shepherd Elementary a charter school?
No, Shepherd Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Shepherd Elementary a Title I school?
No, Shepherd Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Shepherd Elementary?
35.6% of students at Shepherd Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 371
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 22
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 35.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Yellowstone County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 18.6%
- Phone
- (406) 373-5516
Resources & Links
District
Shepherd Elem- District Enrollment
- 571
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,165
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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